BxJKEAu OF Agkicultxjeb 525 



upon the leeward side of large bodies of water. This is noted in 

 the Michigan peach district, in the northern Ohio and western New 

 York regions, and in the Chesapeake peninsula. It is natural to 

 look for some similar conditions, therefore, in our own state, and 

 we find, upon examination, t£at the peach growing territory is 

 confined, largely, to counties along the Ohio river such as Trimble, 

 Jefferson, Bullitt, Henderson, McCracken. Other counties which 

 are producing peaches are Warren, Pulaski, and Eowan, all of 

 which are in close proximity to rivers. 



Peaches offer quicker returns than most other fruits, but a 

 man must meet certain requirements. First, he must understand 

 that the peach is more of a speculative crop than most other fruits, 

 and he must be willing, therefore, to take chances. Second, he must 

 understand that a peach crop requires a great deal of close per- 

 sonal attention. Third, apple orchards may be left uncultivated, 

 but peaches should never be thus neglected. Fourth, you must 

 have a love for the business and be prepared to give it your per- 

 sonal supervision. 



The natural conditions for peach growing in Kentucky are of 

 the very best. In numerous places scattered over the state, can be 

 found sites, soils, good transportation facilities by rail or by water, 

 nearness to markets, and other favorable conditions. The matter 

 of temperatures and frost injury are the only questionable points 

 in our state. 



It is true that there have been many failures in Kentucky 

 peach growing enterprises, but these failures resulted usually from 

 easily assigned causes. Many peach orchards have been allowed 

 to care for themselves and have been given little if any cultivation. 

 Frequently there has been too little pruning done, which has re- 

 sulted in a diminished bearing surface, in a scanty growth of the 

 trees, and in the over-running of the trees with scale and other in- 

 sects. Furthermore, the trees have frequently not been properly 

 supplied with plant food. 



According to the New York Experiment Station, an acre of 

 peaches removes 75 lbs. of nitrogen, 18 lbs. of phosphoric acid, and 

 72 lbs. of potash, while a wheat crop of 20 bushels, with the 11/^ 

 tons of straw removed with the crop, takes from the soil only 42 lbs. 

 of nitrogen, 14 lbs. of phosphoric acid and 20 lbs. of potash. 



The matter of cover crops for the peach orchards in winter 

 has often been neglected, with resulting loss. Among the sections 

 of Kentucky advantageously situated for the production of 

 peaches, may be mentioned, first, Pulaski and parts of adjacent 

 counties. This whole region offers splendid opportunities. It con- 



